Prakt. lékáren. 2014; 10(2): 79-82

Enteral nutrition

Jaroslava Urbaníková

Fakultní lékárna Olomouc

Nutritional support administered as enteral nutrition has become an essential component of care of patients with various diagnoses.

Malnutrition is a frequent complication of numerous underlying conditions. Enteral nutrition is the management of choice. In practice,

it implies administration of solutions with an accurately determined composition of nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals,

trace elements, vitamins, and prebiotics) into the digestive tract. A functional digestive tract, ensuring sufficient absorption of nutrients,

is a condition for the use of enteral nutrition in order to improve the patient's nutritional status. It is vital to realize the importance of food

for the patient. An appropriate composition and amount of food is essential even for the life of a healthy person. In disease, this importance

increases dramatically. Our body requires an optimal intake of energy and nutrients. If not provided, the body enters a vicious cycle

of malnutrition: disease  lack of nutrition  body weakening  disease complications, weakened immunity, reduced wound healing 

loss of self-sufficiency  disease. There is a risk of malnutrition if the needs for nutrients and energy exceed their actual intake. This results

in decreased body weight and loss of fat and muscle mass. This loss is particularly hazardous. As a matter of fact, there is weakening of not

only the muscles of the limbs, but also of the respiratory muscles and the heart muscle, which can ultimately result in the patient's death.

Keywords: malnutrition, BMI, enteral nutrition, sipping – complementary nutrition, tube feeding

Published: April 1, 2014  Show citation